Nathalie Nicole, Host of the Women Who Boss Podcast, Chats with Special Guest Tamra Simmons

Women Who Boss (WWB) is dual company that focuses on for-profit endeavors celebrating and enhancing women through personal brand awareness. WWB mission is to create a social playground that shares knowledge to empower women to BELIEVE, BRAND & BUILD with each other. Our platform gives women the tools necessary to fuel their dreams and goals.

Our programs advocate physical, financial, spiritual, and mental wellness through weekly and monthly education, information, and activities.
Women Who Boss participates in global and community initiatives to give back through mentorship, networking, and leading by example.

Women Who Boss Network strives to connect and support women of all ages and backgrounds in taking control of their lives by “BOSSING UP” & building the brand of their dreams.

About Tamra Simmons

Tamra Simmons is the executive producer on the ground-breaking Lifetime documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly which has reached over 24.5 million viewers since its debut on Jan 3. She was previously a producer on Growing Up Hip Hop, Mary Mary, and a casting producer for major brands.

Tamra Simmons is on the fast trail to earning her place among iconic media moguls. In 2011, Simmons introduced dynamic and aggressive methods of marketing that essentially gave her first company, Revitalized Marketing Group, an ineluctable presence in and outside of the digital space. RMG’s rapid growth and over the top service made Simmons on the most sought after marketers from Miami to Dubai.

Implementing powerful influencer strategies, Simmons’ focus across departmental lines began shaping something greater than ROI at a time when that was the key focus in the market. In less than 24 months, RMG’s dashboard included market research, data analysis, media training, branding, crisis management, and bleeding-edge content creation.

Source: Real Screen

National Dessert Day – Check Out These Delicious Dessert Hacks from TheSoul Publishing

Today is the most delicious holiday of them all—National Dessert Day!

To celebrate, TheSoul Publishing—the company behind some of the biggest viral videos on the Internet—has shared 28 Delicious Dessert Hacks in this video on their popular 5 Minute Crafts page. These yummy tips include:

  • Gummy Bear Popsicles: These sweet treats are simple to make: just fill popsicle molds with Sprite and colorful gummy bears, and pop them in the freezer!
  • Perfect Nutella PancakesBy freezing discs of Nutella before adding to pancake batter on a griddle, you’ll get perfectly proportioned Nutella-filled pancakes every time.
  • Fancy Edible FlowersMake gorgeous edible flowers worthy of The Great British Bake Off with only three pantry ingredients: marshmallows, powdered sugar, and food coloring!
  • Gooey Caramel Popcorn: This hack combines caramel candies, butter, and popcorn kernels to create a favorite sweet and salty treat.
  • And more!

Spiced + Spiked Mini Donuts You’ll “Fall” in Love With From BlissBomb

BlissBomb, a New York City company specializing in baked mini donuts, has recreated the “feels” and flavors of fall in baked mini donuts shipping nationwide and for sale locally in NYC.

BlissBomb launched three limited-time fall flavors today:  Spiked Pumpkin, Blueberry Pecan Pancake, and Chocolate Gingerbread. The flavors were conceived and hand created by BlissBomb executive pastry chef, Tarran Hatton, formerly with Milk Bar. Availability will last through December.

“While summer is a place – the beach, the lake, Disneyworld – fall is a feeling,” said Hatton. “Blueberry Pecan Pancakes feel like breakfast on a cozy Sunday morning. Each of our new flavors brings to mind a moment of autumn bliss with a few surprise twists we’ve baked in.”

 

Fall Flavor Descriptions

 

SPIKED PUMPKIN:   A spiced pumpkin and Mexican hot chocolate donut spiked with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum.

BLUEBERRY PECAN PANCAKE:  This mini donut is stacked with house-made blueberry compote, toasted pecans, and maple brown butter.

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD:  Valrhona chocolate and Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur make this the most festive gingerbread house on the block.

BlissBomb will host a fall flavor tasting party at Barrow’s Intense Tasting Room in Brooklyn’s Industry City on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, used in the Chocolate Gingerbread donut, is made at this facility.

BlissBomb’s Beginnings

 

In May BlissBomb launched its nationwide ecommerce offering, shipping mini donuts in luxe gift boxes ($48) and DIY donut decorating kits ($40) anywhere in the U.S. NYC wholesale, delivery (GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates, ezCater) and catering are also available.

BlissBomb believes donuts have not reached their full potential. Most are soft and sweet with undistinguishable flavors. Or they’re piled high with common household cereals, cookies, and candy bars with no thought to flavor balance or creativity.

BlissBomb chops, squeeze, zests, toasts, and crushes real fruits, nuts, spices, flowers, and other ingredients to infuse its donuts, glazes, and toppings with full-bodied flavor. Beyond their indulgence-encouraging mini size – 3-to-4 bites each – BlissBomb donuts are baked, which allows the flavors to blossom instead of being masked by frying oil. Nearly 25% of a fried donut’s weight comes from oil.

Evolving Ecommerce Treats

 

BlissBomb is bringing complete customization to the ecommerce treats category. Unlike most online treats that come in pre-set assortments, BlissBomb gift boxes can be customized with any flavors on the menu to create a more memorable gift or occasion. Customers can further personalize the gift with one of nine greeting cards exclusively designed and illustrated for BlissBomb.

 

About BlissBomb

BlissBomb is a baked mini donut business located in NYC’s Garment District. The company set out to make a better donut and to help people create moments of joy connecting with those who enrich their lives. The ecommerce site is located at www.bliss-bomb.com offering gift boxes and donut decorating kits with nationwide shipping. Locally BlissBomb mini donuts are available through delivery apps, online order pick-ups, catering, and wholesale. The brand can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @BlissBombJoy. Contact BlissBomb at customerservice@bliss-bomb.com or at 917-936-6251

Lifestyle Alert: Insider Tips On Taking Holiday Hosting To The Next Level

Whether you’re planning to host a casual night in or get creative with some holiday cheer, the nation’s most elite event planners, founder of Bluebird Productions, serial mompreneur Virginia Frischkorn and her expert team have the answers to make your hosting a whole lot easier.

Taking everything they know about successful hosting and delivering it straight to consumers through all you need to know digital boxes at bluebirdinabox.com.

Here’s a look inside this fall and winter’s most sought after online secrets:
  • Trick or Treat (Kids Halloween): Inspired by sweet tooths and pumpkin patches, this curated box reminds party-goers that Halloween is about more than dressing up and eating candy – it’s about creating an atmosphere of whimsy and true connection among both children and parents. Bluebird In A Box provides entertainment go-to’s that guarantee a day of loud laughter, creativity, and memories, with original activities like Mummy Racing, Pumpkin Patch Stomp, and Spaghetti Search. Serve up ghostly delights like Mummy Meatballs, Grapefruit “Pumpkins,” or Monster Pizzas. Whip up delectably ghastly drinks like Boo-Nilla Ice Cream Floats, Goosebumps Punch, or Vampire Juice. Plus, get costume ideas and tips for easy post-party cleanup.
  • Spooky Supper (Adult Halloween): This Bluebird box gives adults the excuse they need to revisit childhood costumes and experience that scary-movie-adrenaline-rush in the eerie glow of dramatic candlelight. Roll out the red carpet with horror flick recommendations, along with suggestions for spooktastic touches like bat sculptures. Enjoy killer cuisine like Black Magic Cake, Cider-Glazed Chicken Breast, or Taste of Fall Salad. Create creepy cocktails like The Cauldron, The Spooky Negroni, or Hocus Pocus Punch. Discover how to craft a scream-worthy centerpiece with tapered candles, pumpkins, pomegranates, figs, and cobwebs. Plus, get 2020’s best costume ideas (remember Tiger King and murder hornets?)
  • Friendsgiving: Create a new tradition, gathering with your besties and brothers-from-another-mother to give thanks without the obligatory side hugs and awkward conversations. Get the party started with movie recommendations and links to activities like Thanksgiving Bingo or Family Gathering Table Topics. Bring people together around delectable dishes inspired by Martha Stewart, Chrissy Tiegen, Ina Garten, and David Lebovitz. Browse wine pairings and soul-warming cocktail recipes like the classic Apple Toddy, Maple Manhattan, Hot Mulled Cider. Plus, get inventive decor ideas that set the scene for gratitude and sharing.
  • Pumpkin Spice: Settle in for a spirited event inspired by warm cider, crackling fireplaces, crisp autumn air, flannels, and cozy candlelit meals. Kick things off with our classic fall film recommendations and soulful guest gift ideas. Encourage collaboration and laughter with fun-filled activities like a murder mystery dinner or pumpkin carving kit, plus creative conversation starters. Enjoy mouthwatering delights inspired by culinary greats like Julia Child and Massimo Battura, including sweet and savory Fig Prosciutto Bites, Harvest Salad, Beef Bourguignon, and Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Set the mood with signature sips such as Fall Sangria, a Ginger Pear Snap, or Caramel Apple Pie Mocktail. Plus, get styling accents, wardrobe ideas, and more!

Boss Vibes: Self-Esteem, Success, and The Art of Etiquette Book Review

Are you ready to awaken the BOSS inside of you?  With the emerging entrepreneurial spirits and new business endeavors, there’s a vital need for personal branding.

Author, Nita Patel shipped me a copy of the book Boss Vibes.  The title alone was intriguing; it immediately sparked my interest.

Boss Vibes Background Details:

Boss Vibes takes a witty look at every aspect of etiquette (or what author Nita Patel defines as the meaning behind the manners), and why it’s better to do things this way than that, how behaving appropriately makes you a better person and improves the world around you, and why perfecting your brand will help you get ahead without sacrificing your authenticity—or benefiting at someone else’s loss.

In an authoritative and humorous style, Patel will make you think, as she covers some of the following topics—
• How what you wear brands your image for better or worse
• Building a public profile that will boost your personal confidence
• Workplace wisdom to boost your career
• The dual arts of conversation: talking, listening, and body language

What did I learn from reading Boss Vibes?

The chapter titled, Sassy or Classy describes what your clothes say about you and how to dress appropriately for every occasion. A few tips included, “the little black dress is a legend for a reason:  It can always be dressed up or down.”  Also, the author discussed tips for men and added a piece about grooming.

Personally, I enjoyed the Boss Vibes Never-Evers because Nita addressed concerns that are often overlooked.  For example, when attending a conference, always admit if you can’t remember someone’s name or be sure to use the individual’s name twice in a conversation to make a connection.

Nita Patel wrote a chapter for Teens titled, Simple Steps Lead to Greatness.  One starter tip included, make eye contact when you talk to someone.  I couldn’t agree more with that statement!

Visit Amazon to order a copy of Boss Vibes for yourself, business bestie, or upcoming graduate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nita Patel is a speaker, author, and artist who believes in modern etiquette as a path to becoming our best selves.

Schooled in London and a veteran of corporate America, she has 20+ years in technology leadership and nurturing teams toward confidence and impact.

ESSENCE & MCDONALD’S HOLDS “MAKING MOVES NOW VIRTUAL BOOTCAMP” THIS SATURDAY

Calling all Gen Z entrepreneurs! Are you a young Black woman entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 25 with a new or emerging business? ESSENCE and McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden movement are joining forces to inform, educate and empower the next generation of trailblazing Black women leaders through the Making Moves Now Virtual Bootcamp.

Tune in to ESSENCE.com on Saturday, September 19 at 11AM EST to hear valuable advice, lessons learned, and secrets to entrepreneurial success from a handful of young women who are thriving as business owners and want to help you do the same! Actress and host Khadeen Ellis and ESSENCE “Unbossed” Podcast host Marquita Harris will lead an afternoon of fun yet insightful programming featuring conversations with Blackgirl Sunscreen CEO Shontay Lundy, Actress and Social Media Guru Jasmine Luv and McDonald’s Executive Owner & Operator Marissa Fisher—with a special guest appearance from actress, singer & entrepreneur Ryan Destiny.

Plus, stick around as we close out the day with three rising young entrepreneurs who will share their business ideas with our panel and receive direct feedback on their presentations.

Following the Bootcamp, be sure to mark your calendars for the ESSENCE and McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Making Moves Now Virtual Pitch Competition, presented in partnership with New Voices. The official pitch competition will take place on October 10, 2020, during the first-ever Girls United Virtual Summit. Join us to support a host of young Black women as they pitch their businesses for a chance to win thousands of dollars in funding and make even bigger moves in their community.

For more information on the Making Moves Now Virtual Bootcamp and to register, click HERE.

https://www.essence.com/news/essence-mcdonalds-making-moves-now-virtual-bootcamp/

Birmingham Zoo to Open for Labor Day First Responders and Healthcare Workers Receive Discounted Admission

In celebration of the Labor Day holiday, the Birmingham Zoo will be open on Monday, September 7 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Zoo will be offering a discounted admission of $8 to First Responders and Healthcare Workers (with valid ID/badge) and up to four (4) guests at $8 each from Saturday, September 5 until Monday, September 7. Discounted admission tickets will only be sold onsite at the Zoo’s front entrance ticket booths.

The Birmingham Zoo is incredibly grateful for all our first responders and healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly through the Covid-19 pandemic. The Zoo is a fun and relaxing place where frontline workers can enjoy time with their friends and family while connecting to wildlife and the natural world. “We want First Responders and Healthcare workers to know their Birmingham Zoo supports them. We are thankful for the sacrifices they make, every day, and especially during this pandemic,” said Birmingham Zoo President & CEO, Chris Pfefferkorn. “They are true heroes whose dedication, commitment, and courage deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration.“

Labor Day at the Zoo offers something for everyone to enjoy! Visitors can take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train* and spin on the Protective Life Carousel* at Children’s Zoo (*Additional cost). Daily activities, rides, and animal encounters at the Zoo are weather dependent.

The Red Diamond Express train and Protective Life carousel are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase onsite and online at birminghamzoo.com. The Zoo’s main Gift Shop is open for guests to purchase their favorite specialty items. The Predator and South America/Primate buildings are open for visitors to see indoor animal habitats in these areas as they travel the one-way path through the Zoo.

All guests and members of the Zoo are required to follow our health and safety guidelines, including face coverings for individuals over the age of six (6), in accordance with the State of Alabama ordinance mandating the wearing of face coverings in public places. For the health and safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the Birmingham Zoo will continue to monitor and evaluate our operations and modify our procedures as needed.

The Pixel Room Birmingham: #SelfieMuseum and Fun Experience

Something innovative has come to Birmingham!  Last week, I went to The Pixel Room, Selfie Museum.  Only two words can describe this place, very cool!

I didn’t know what to expect upon visiting the new local attraction.  A mutual contact sent me the invite and honestly, anything with the word selfie attached to it is must-see for any blogger!

Most fashion and lifestyle influencers are constantly snapping photos and having a special location to stage pictures heightens the experience.

Upon entering the museum, I was greeted by a variety of displays.  Almost every room was the replica of a movie set.

There’s a selfie room for everyone depending on your individual taste.  Guests can take photos at either the Dynamic Disco Room, Lemonade Stand, House of Colors, etc.

Experience it for yourself, there’s so much fun happening at The Pixel Room, Selfie Museum!  Visit the Grande River Outlets for leisure shopping and take some memorable selfies.

And of course, they are taking COVID-19 Precautions.

The Pixel Room Birmingham

Mother’s Day 2020 Roundup For The Fitness Lover, Shopping Addict or Green Thumb

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, take a look at a few considerations for the special woman in your life!

 

Featured Photo from Men’s Health

 

For the fitness lover:
  • Everlast – The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910 and the world’s leading manufacturer and licensor of boxing, MMA, and fitness equipment, Everlast can provide the fitness buff the equipment they need. Everlast has boxing gear from training gloves to the HydroStrike heavy bag and fitness equipment from the Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope to the Flex Slam Ball that can help mom stick to her new year’s resolutions of staying in the gym and continuing her fitness journey.
  • FitTrack – Help mom stay on track of her fitness journey with FitTrack, creators of the most accurate Wi-Fi smart scale (Dara), and the fitness smartwatch (Atria). FitTrack products are a simple and effective solution to stay motivated on her wellness journey, at a remarkably low price. With 17 detailed metrics that measure, track, and trend her health data over time, FitTrack can help mom better understand her progress with the informative insights needed to be the best version of herself.
For the organization lovers:
  • MakeSpace – MakeSpace offers storage without the struggle — picking up, hauling, and storing your stuff, then delivering it back to you when you need it. Their goal is to make storage convenient and easy so that you never have to visit a storage facility again. To help stressed-out moms manage cluttered homes and stressful lifestyles, give them the gift of space this Mother’s Day.
For the shopping addict:
  • Jane – Jane is a boutique e-commerce marketplace with daily deals on hundreds of products from women’s fashion and accessories to home decor and tech gear – there truly is something for everyone! Give the special woman in your life the perfect Mother’s Day gift to brighten up her day with something personalized or something comfy to help her relax while staying at home.
For the green thumb: 
  • Rachio – The world’s first smart sprinkler company delivering easy-to-use technologies to control your outdoor sprinkler system from the palm of your hand. Their latest product expansion includes the Rachio 3e Smart Sprinkler Controller, a budget-friendly version of Rachio’s renowned and first-ever smart sprinkler, the Rachio 3 Smart Watering System. With it’s lower pricing, the R3e makes saving the planet a bit more affordable for everyone, while still boasting a myriad of features such as weather intelligence based on historical weather data from 30,000 weather stations, dual-band wi-fi with Alexa compatibility, full control, and monitoring with the Rachio app, and more.
For the mom who brightens your life: 
  • Nanoleaf  A smart lighting pioneer, Nanoleaf’s range of light panels allow users to create beautiful, customizable designs with the flexibility to change-up the scene and layouts for any season or occasion. Whether mom is looking to decorate her home office, spruce up the house for family photos, or create the perfect welcome home entrance, Nanoleaf is a fun, low-maintenance way to personalize your space.

High-Tech Fashion Accessory: The Complete List of the Best AirPods Accessories Available in 2020

Apple AirPods took up 71% of wireless headphone revenue in 2019, making them the most popular brand.

It’s easy to see why. With their handy portable charging case and decent battery life, they’re great quality earphones.

It’s also no wonder that they’ve become far more popular than Apple’s wired earphones. It’s very convenient to be able to walk away from your device and not find yourself attached to it by a very limiting 10-inch wire.

Although AirPods are awesome, AirPods accessories can really take them up a notch. If you’re looking to improve your earphone experience, these accessories are the ones to go for.

Featured Photo by Gavin Whitner

1. Catalyst’s Waterproof Case

Although the latest iPhone models are now waterproof, AirPods are not immune to water damage.

Therefore, if you’re out on a run and it starts pouring while you’re enjoying your music, you’re going to want to store your AirPods somewhere safe.

Catalyst has a waterproof case where they can be tucked away and saved from water getting into them.

After all, AirPods are not cheap. The last thing you want is to be forced to replace them because you didn’t consider the weather.

2. AirPod Skins Protective Wraps

If you want protection for the AirPods themselves, then protective wraps are the way to go.

Available on Amazon, they’ll protect your AirPods from the rough-and-tumble nature of everyday life.

It’s easy to accidentally scratch AirPods, or have the surface wear away due to constant use. These wraps will keep them looking new and shiny.

Plus, they add some style by providing a nice black contrast to the white earphones.

3. Spigen TEKA RA100 AirPods Strap

An Apple AirPods strap may be just what you need if you’re not ready to lose the wire altogether.

The downside of AirPods is that they can be easily lost due to them being very small and unconnected to anything. Luckily, you can buy a strap to keep them together whenever you feel like having the safety net of a wire.

It’s mostly handy when you aren’t using them, or want to be able to pop them in and out quickly. It hangs around your neck, putting them within easy reach.

4. Twelve South AirFly Pro: Wireless Transmitter For Planes

You might know how to pair AirPods with MacBook laptops and iPhones, but do you know how to pair them to an airplane?

Being stuck in the air for up to 15 hours can be torture. Planes usually provide in-flight entertainment for long hauls, but the earphones are bad quality and often uncomfortable.

Fortunately, you can now buy a Bluetooth transmitter for your AirPods which plugs into the 3.5mm jack at your seat.

The battery life on these is 16 hours, so there’s no reason for them not to last your whole flight. This is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive Apple AirPods accessories.

5. RHA Wireless Flight Adapter

This may seem like the same as the Twelve South AirFly Pro on first glance, but this has one additional bonus that you may want to take into account when deciding between them.

It works great on the Nintendo Switch.

If you love cuddling up on the couch with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or getting lost in the world of Breath of the Wild, this is the flight adapter to go for.

6. Keybudz Podskinz AirPod Case

If you need an AirPod case that’s easy for you to find when you need it, this is a great choice — it attaches to your keys!

Most people have their keys with them at all times. Whatever you forgot at home, it’s unlikely to have been your keys since you presumably needed them in-hand to lock the door!

It’s very handy for those who tend to rush out of the door and forget non-essential items such as their earphones.

7. Earbuddyz 2.0 Ear Hooks

Some people get lucky when they buy AirPods and they fit just fine.

Others don’t have the ear size Apple designed these earphones for — one size does not fit all, after all — and find that the earphones fall out all too easily.

When there’s no wire, this isn’t good — it won’t be long before they’re lost in the great outdoors.

Luckily, Ear Hooks are a thing! Attach these to your AirPods and feel them fit snugly in your ear.

It does get a little frustrating to have to take them off the AirPods every time they go back in the case, but it’ll be well worth it to ensure your earphones don’t fall out.

8. Morphie Wireless Charging Pad

Not only can you charge your iPhone on these, you can charge your AirPods!

Sit them down at the same time as your iPhone and watch both charge up.

The pad can charge AirPods through cases as thick as 3mm, so you may not even have to remove them from the case.

This is, by far, one of the most convenient charging methods. It also has a built-in safety feature so that it won’t overcharge, which can be extremely draining and damaging to electronics.

Time to Load up on Those AirPods Accessories

AirPods are awesome. They’re convenient, allow you to move around while listening to music or chatting on the phone, and are easy to charge through their handy little case.

Whatever problems or pitfalls they have can be fixed by AirPods accessories. Whether it’s them not fitting in your ear properly, getting scratched up when you use them, or being unprotected when you get caught in the rain — there’s something to improve them in every area.

Next time you’re on a plane and struggling with the low-quality earphones or sighing as your brand new AirPods tumble out of your ear, you might just be tempted to invest in these.

Collaborative Post